Dilsen-Stokkem walks

Terhills is, above all, the former site of the Eisden coal mine, with its four slag heaps – three of which are open to the public – its two headframes over the old shafts, and the large management and engineers’ building, which has been magnificently restored and converted into a luxury hotel.Terhills is also the site of a former gravel quarry. It has now become a vast natural area open to the public, with several signposted walking routes starting from the main entrance to the Haute-Campine National Park, situated next to the hotel.There is also a holiday village, the Terhills Resort, situated on the north-western shore of the lake, as well as a water sports centre, the Terhills Cablepark, located on the north-eastern shore of the lake.

The Limburg Campine region is home to many gems, including several nature reserves with magnificent sand dunes. This walk crosses the Oudsberg nature reserve on the last authorised paths, offering alternating landscapes of heathland and pine or deciduous forests (beech, birch, etc.). Although the entire route is relatively flat, the nature reserve, at the geographical centre of the route, is quite hilly for the region.Of course, the sand under the snow is only visible in certain places. However, without the snow, the sand is clearly visible in the heart of the Oudsberg nature reserve. Most of the route is wooded, but the landscape is a little more rural at the eastern and northern ends. Hike without description to be followed with the Visorando app.

This walk explores some of the region's gems. The route passes successively by a mill on the Geer (Jeker in Dutch) with a wooden paddle wheel that is still fully functional, Neercanne Castle, the Cannerbos, a magnificent tree-lined avenue in the Milleniumbos, a few vineyards, the old Nekum mill (no longer with a wheel), the Maastricht Fort plateau with some beautiful views of the city, Huis de Torentjes, a curious cave/chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, the Zonneberg, the Slavantebos, the panoramic site of the former ENCI quarry, the Villa Castrum (admire the tuffeau stone used in its renovation) and, finally, the strange and extremely rare feature of the Geer, which passes under the Albert Canal via a siphon. All in all, this route offers a multitude of historical and educational points of interest for young and old alike.

A fairly varied walk around the Albert Canal and part of Montagne Saint-Pierre, including a short detour into Dutch territory. The route passes by Neercanne Castle, where the Maastricht Treaty was signed on 9 December 1991.

This is on the marked route "Lanaye (I2-4 Blue): Beyond the Banks - Montagne Saint-Pierre", but starting from the Quai de Caster car park instead of the church in Lanaye. Follow the blue diamond markings.

The Dutch province of Zuid-Limburg is ideal for hiking, offering an abundance of countryside and forests to explore in a wonderfully bucolic setting, and probably the highest elevation gain in the Netherlands, as the highest point is situated at the BE-DE-NL tripoint south of Vaals.That said, this region bordering Belgian Limburg is also fruit-growing, albeit to a lesser extent, but you can still see a few orchards (cherry, apple and pear trees).And then, from time to time, an old marl quarry (limestone, tuffeau, etc.) appears, or, as is the case near the route of this walk, a prehistoric flint extraction site!

An unusual walk starting from the small village of Lanaye, traversing the Montagne Saint-Pierre nature reserve from the Albert Canal, before reaching the Geer valley via the Fort d'Eben-Emael. The route also offers stunning views of the Lanaye locks and the Meuse valley across the border.

This hike, on the borders of Wallonia, Flanders and the Netherlands, crosses the Montagne Saint-Pierre on either side of the Albert Canal, ending at the Lanaye lock, which allows barges to reach the Meuse in the direction of Maastricht.Before that, the route follows small paths along the Geer. There are several beautiful views of the Meuse valley, the locks and the nearby hills.

A somewhat challenging hike starting from the Moulin du Broukay and the Tour d’Eben-Ezer in Eben, on the northern slope of the Geer valley, leading to the Montagne Saint-Pierre Nature Reserve, on the other side of the stream. The reserve offers some fine views of the Meuse valley and the Albert Canal.

Pine, oak (local and American species) and birch forests, moors, crops, pastures, ponds... this is the natural scenery that awaits you on this hike.

A short walk through the woods near Mesch, in the Netherlands, along the border with Mouland (Moelingen) This is a family-friendly walk (suitable for even very young children) with the option of stopping for a bite to eat at the customs post between Mouland and Mesch or in the village centre.

A magnificent walk starting from the village of Fouron-le-Comte ('s-Gravenvoeren in Dutch), somewhat hilly, passing through the Altenbroek woodland reserve and venturing partially beyond the Belgian-Dutch border.

A walk through meadows and fields, passing through orchards. As an added bonus, you can stop off at the ice cream parlour in Richelle.

A varied countryside walk leading to the Hauts de Froidmont, passing through fields and tree-lined paths to reach the Geer and follow the valley floor as far as Wonck. The route runs alongside several chalk, marl and silica quarries, some of which have been abandoned and are currently being replanted, and passes several nature reserves. Route suggested by the walking club “Les Pantouflards de Wihogne” (FFBMP, LG041).

A pleasant and varied walk on the plateau and around the Geer valley. Starting from the small village of Houtain-Saint-Siméon, the route joins that of Heure-le-Romain, following tree-lined paths to reach Les Hauts de Froidmont and returning through the undergrowth on the southern slope of the Geer valley. The route passes several former quarries, now converted into nature reserves.

A pleasant walk in the north-western part of the town of Tongeren, following old tree-lined railway tracks, crossing the Herkwinning Nature Reserve and taking in a few castles and fortified farms in a varied environment of copses, low-stem orchards, meadows and fields. Route proposed by the walking club "Les Pantouflards de Wihogne" (FFBMP, LG041).

A refreshing country walk along the slopes and plateau of the Geer valley, featuring sunken lanes and paths running alongside the stream. Walk organised by the walking club "Les Pantouflards de Wihogne" (FFBMP, LG041).

The last village to the west of the Hesbaye plateau and therefore surrounded by fields, Houtain-Saint-Siméon is also ideally situated for exploring the routes of the Geer Valley. This route ventures into the valley twice, following shaded paths and sunken lanes. Walk suggested by the walking club "Les Pantouflards de Wihogne" (FFBMP, LG041).

A pleasant and varied walk, combining culture and exercise, in and around Tongeren, Belgium’s oldest town. It takes you through the historic districts (the Beguinage, the ramparts, the basilica, etc.) as well as the adjoining nature reserve. The Geer (Jeker in Dutch), its branches and tributaries are a defining feature of the region.

A few kilometres from the tri-border point (Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands), the walk winds its way through wooded countryside, streams and sunken lanes. It benefits from a microclimate that shields the area from the north winds. Old farms and mills will delight you as you explore.

A refreshing country walk in Tongrian Hesbaye, taking us from the small village of Rutten to Lauw, following the River Geer and returning via Herstappe, a Walloon enclave in the heart of Flemish Limburg. Walk organised by the walking club ‘Les Pantouflards de Wihogne’ (FFBMP, LG041)

Starting from Sint-Pieters-Heurne, the walk takes you through the rather hilly countryside of Limburg Hesbaye, passing by a castle here, a chapel there, a limestone cave, an orchard, or a large square-shaped Hesbaye farmhouse.Although the region is criss-crossed by land consolidation tracks and concrete cycle paths, traffic is usually limited to a few farm vehicles, bicycles and occasionally a group or two of Vespa enthusiasts.That said, the route also follows numerous country lanes and forest tracks where you mainly come across only walkers or joggers.The numerous orchards (pear and apple trees) add a pleasant touch to the route when in bloom.